Crane made headlines in 2012 after he was charged with first-degree murder in the January 2012 deaths of Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley and Bruce Gaudet of Phoenix involving two different burglaries.

His sudden change in behavior led to Judge Warren Granville saying he wanted to approve a Rule 11 motion filed by his defense attorney and the state to find out if the intent to change the plea was voluntary or if Crane's mental condition played a role.

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Individuals look at flowers and photographs at a memorial service for Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. David Wallace/The Republic

A woman looks at flowers and photographs at a memorial service for Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. David Wallace/The Republic

Kathy and David Drewitz walk out of the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix following a memorial service for Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. David Wallace/The Republic

Melissa Branta (center, blonde hair) gives a hug, following a memorial service for Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. David Wallace/The Republic

Judy Wolf (center, red shirt) gives a hug, following a memorial service for Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. David Wallace/The Republic

Elizabeth Call embraces Jeff Zemer following a memorial service for Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. David Wallace/The Republic

Elizabeth Call embraces Jeff Zemer following a memorial service for Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. David Wallace/The Republic

People walk into the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix for a memorial service for Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. David Wallace/The Republic

People walk into the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix for a memorial service for Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. David Wallace/The Republic

Tom Cross who worked under Lawrence Shapiro at Health Services Advisory Group, waits for his wife to enter the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix for a memorial service for Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. David Wallace/The Republic

People walk into the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix for a memorial service for Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. David Wallace/The Republic

Mary Ellen McKee (center left) and Sister Madonna Bolton (center right) hug following a memorial service for Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. David Wallace/The Republic

Mary Ellen McKee (center left) and Sister Madonna Bolton (center right) hug following a memorial service for Glenna and Lawrence Shapiro of Paradise Valley at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix on Tuesday, February 7, 2012. David Wallace/The Republic

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Crane admitted he refused to take prescribed medication for the schizoaffective disorder — a cross between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder — with which he had been diagnosed.

Crane had previously claimed he was Lucifer during a mental competency hearing and was removed from the courtroom during several hearings. Crane has also said he is a "sovereign citizen" and therefore state laws didn't apply to him.

Bouchard said Crane faces multiple life sentences, but no longer faces the death penalty as part of the plea deal. His sentencing is scheduled for March 22 at 10 a.m. at the Maricopa County Superior Court.

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Maricopa County's Restoration to Competency program, which began in 2003, counsels and restores mentally ill defendants before they are sent on to court.
William Flannigan, azcentral